Stratford songstress set for big stage

A SINGER-SONGWRITER from Stratford is looking to get her voice heard on the big stage.

Katherine Abbott has made it through to the regional finals of Open Mic UK 2012 and will now be performing at the live stages of the national talent competition searching for the UK’s best singers, singer/songwriters, and rappers.

The 19-year-old will be performing in front of an audience and professional judging panel in Brighton on October 27. If she gets through the regional stage, she will win a place in the National Final at the O2 in London.

Music has been Katherine's passion since a young age. She plays both guitar and piano, and her biggest influence is Joni Mitchell.

Katherine, who writes her own songs, has already recorded one album, titled April, and is currently hard at work on the follow-up Rag Rugs, being recorded in Stratford, which is set for release just before Christmas.

The former Stratford Prep and Stratford High pupil is currently earning a crust playing live in and around Brighton where she is currently living.

The Open Mic UK competition was not however part of Katherine's masterplan to reach a wider audience, having been entered, without her knowledge, by her dad's girlfriend.

But she has embraced the competition and is looking to take full advantage of the opportunity it could offer.

The regional final in Brighton will offer the opportunity to impress guests from record labels, agencies and the entertainment industry.

Previous winners include Birdy, who in the last 12 months has hits across Europe, and who has collaborated with Mumford & sons, and Hatty Keane who has performed alongside the likes of Ed Sheeran and Tinchy Stryder.

Katherine is planning to return to Stratford later in the year for live dates and to the launch her second album.

Visit www.katherineabbott.co.uk to hear Katherine, for updates and to buy her debut album.